Moscow, 1 June 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Chechnya's fugitive separatist leader today announced that his guerrilla forces will launch a summer campaign against Russian troops in Chechnya. Reuters reported that Chechen President Aslan Maskhadov said his rebel fighters have a range of operations planned against Russian troops in Chechnya this summer and fall.

Russian troops in Chechnya remain under constant threat of attack in the republic, with rebels killing two soldiers yesterday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to negotiate with Maskhadov, instead proposing a plan to end nearly a decade of conflict by extending autonomy to Chechnya.

Maskhadov has dismissed Putin's plan, which is based on a March referendum showing an overwhelming majority in favor of Chechnya staying a part of Russia.